Egypt, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 to 712 BCE. A pink sandstone sarcophagus section carved in the form of a profile portrait head. The ancient Egyptians created sarcophagi to form an outer layer of several layers of nested coffins that protected the mummy within. All of these were typically either painted or carved with representations of the deceased. This example is beautifully carved. Note the finely delineated ear, elegant eye, browline, and hairline. Notice too how the sculpture captured a marked contrast between the smooth surface of the skin and the more textured hair. The sculptor of this piece truly had command over his medium. The word sarcophagus has interesting etymology. It comes from the Greek word "sarx" which means "flesh" and "phagien" which means "to eat." Hence, the literal translation is "eater of flesh." Indeed Herodotus, the 5th century BCE Greek historian, noted that early sarcophagi were actually carved from a stone that consumed the corpse's flesh. This said, some scholars dispute this interpretation arguing that in the Egyptian ancient language, the sarcophagus might have been called "neb ankh" meaning "possessor of life." In this example we have a true treasure from the ancient Egyptians of the New Kingdom, created with the utmost artistry and care to protect the "ka" or spirit within! Custom, museum-quality stand. Size: 10" W x 10.25" H (25.4 cm x 26 cm); 12.25" H (31.1 cm) on stand.

Provenance: Ex - Cassell collection acquired in 1969

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#115560

Fragmentary else quite excellent.